Nativity

Abstract

Altobello Persio and Sannazzaro Panza completed this lively creche scene in the Matera Cathedral in 1535. The scene is completely preserved, with most of the original polychromy intact. The humility of the main scene in which Mary and Joseph are shown kneeling before Christ is contrasted with the exaltation of the Holy Family, conveyed through the attendant angels, flying putti, and progression of wisemen above the cave. The creche is located in the Chapel of St. Joseph, originally dedicated to St. Nicholas. It is now also commonly referred to as the Chapel of the Presepe. The Archbishop Giuseppe Sparano is buried in front of the creche near the figure of St. Joseph. Recent restoration work has revealed that this chapel sits above two funerial chapels that were destroyed in the 15th century. When these photographs were taken in 2019, the space in front of the chapel was being restored, and plexiglass barriers were erected, keeping visitors at a distance from the chapel. Photograph(s) licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.